A new, simple, and rapid assay for conjugated bilirubin that does not require serum-matrix standards was developed by using the enzyme bilirubin oxidase (EC 1.3.3.5). This procedure can also be modified to measure total bilirubin. Measurements from these assays were compared with results obtained with the Sigma 605 (Jendrassik-Gróf method), Sigma 550/551 (Walters-Gerarde method), and Kodak Ekta...

In this study, a new genus of Sesiini, Laetosphecia Kallies & Arita gen. nov., is described. The type species, Laetosphecia variegata (Walker, 1865) comb. nov., and a new species, Laetosphecia brideliana Kallies & Arita spec. nov., occur in south-eastern China (Province of Guangdong and Hong Kong). The larvae of both species cause galls in small branches of Bridelia tomentosa Blume (Phyllanthac...

Tropical timber plantations provide a variety of environmental services, including recovery of biodiversity on degraded lands. For example, plantations can speed forest successional processes by improving microsite conditions and attracting seed dispersers, thus promoting woody regeneration. Timber species have been hypothesized to differ in understory recruitment success. In the present resear...

The abietane-type diterpenoid (+)-ferruginol, a bioactive compound isolated from New Zealand's Miro tree (Podocarpus ferruginea), displays relevant pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, cardioprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-plasmodial, leishmanicidal, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer. Herein, we demonstrate that ferruginol (1) and some phthalimide containing an...

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of browse tree leaves meals on growth performance and parasite load naturally parasitized yearling goats. Thirty-six Arsi-Bale bucks which were with helminths randomly allocated one following feeding treatments; T1 = Chloris gayana grass hay ad lib + 100g concentrate, T2 dried Acacia tortilis leaves, T3 seyal T4 senegal T5 Millettia ferruginea T6...